On the surface, there are few compelling reasons to invest in an iPod dock. Sure, they let you stand your iPod up and show it off while charging or copying music, but if a dock doesn't offer any additional functionality�a nice S-Video-out port, for example�what you're effectively paying for is a fancier plug than your iPod's cable comes with.

SwitchEasy KuroDock

For a dock to catch our eyes it has to deliver a level of cool worthy of its price tag. This is even more so the case for docks that are designed for only one iPod model in particular, which thus lose whatever points they might have received for at least being "versatile". To that end, we found Pressure Drop's funky iPod shuffle DecoDock (3 stars) worthy, while Marware's plain Stand for iPod nano (2 stars) failed to pass muster.

SwitchEasy's new KuroDock, designed for the black iPod nano, is everything Marware's Stand was not: solidly constructed, very Apple-like in appearance, and sporting a a neat white lighted bar that blinks red when transferring data. As far as its limited duties are concerned, the KuroDock performed flawlessly, providing a nicely weighted base for our iPod nano that perfectly complemented the nano's design.

Along with the included USB cable, the KuroDock can also be powered by an optional AC adapter ($8.99) and features a mini audio-out port on the rear.

The KuroDock only loses points for the same reason the DecoDock did and other lighted USB accessories do: there's no way to turn the light off. As long as the KuroDock is connected to power, the light on the front will be on, whether you have an iPod nano docked or not. An option to turn the light off for those times when you find it distracting would have been ideal.

Potential dock-ers should also keep in mind that like other docks, connecting your iPod nano to the KuroDock requires removing whatever case may be wrapped around it first.

The Bottom Line

If you're the owner of a black iPod nano looking to add a dock to the mix, SwitchEasy's KuroDock is the one to get. Like other SwitchEasy products, fit and finish is where the KuroDock exceeds its peers. Beyond the excellent design of the dock itself, the shiny packaging and glossy, well-designed accompanying mini-manual underscore the level of attention this company puts into its products. Undoubtedly, this is also why SwitchEasy is able to stand behind its product with a 2-year warranty, at least twice what most competitors offer.